Target game with secondary propulsion element inclined toward target



Feb. 13, 1968 5. J. KOLWICZ TARGET GAME WITH SECONDARY PROPULSION ELEMENT INCLINED TOWARD TARGET 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. 25, 1964 FIG. I

INVENTOR STANLEY J. KOLWICZ ATTORNEY KOLWICZ TARGET GAME WITH SECONDARY PROPULSION ELEMENT Feb. 13, 1968 S. J.

INCLINED TOWARD TARGET 2 .Shets Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 25, 1964 FIGS STANLEY J. KOLWICZ United States Patent 3,368,814 TARGET GAME WITH SECONDARY PROPULSION ELEMENT INCLINED TOWARD TARGET Stanley J. Kolwicz, 16 Sanford Ave., Emerson, NJ. 07630 Filed Sept. 25, 1964, Ser. No. 399,278 12 Claims. (Cl. 273-95) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a construction of ball game device of the rebound type which can be played indoors or outdoors, and is applicable for home use as well as for commercial use in establishments catering to the amusement of the general public.

Another object of the invention is to provide a construction of game device having a miniature trampolinetype structure adapted to receive a ball and loft it toward a remote target.

Another object of the invention is to provide a construction of game in which a ball is rebounded from a taut resiliently yieldable surface toward a target for testing the skill of a player.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a construction of game which is novel in construction, enjoyable to play, and which combines in the scoring both the element of the players skill and the element of chance.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction of rebound projectile game which is relatively compact in construction, and is easily adaptable for use with automatic scoring means and coin-operated mechanisms in commercial applications.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a construction of game device having a stretchable fabric member, stretched on all four sides, disposed in spaced relation with a remote target area wherein the player must skillfully anticipate the lofting and rebounding characteristics imparted to the ball by the fabric member when throwing the ball, to direct it to the desired portion of the target area.

Other and further objects of the invention reside in the manner in which the trampoline-type structure is inclined toward the target area, the structure of the ball return disposed beneath the trampoline-type structure, the mounting of the trampoline-type structure and the target area, the structure of the foldable oudoor target, as well as others which will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the specification hereinafter following by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game device of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view in partial broken away section, showing the target structure of the game device of FIG. -1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan View of a corner portion of the stretchable fabric structure and particularly showing the manner in which the stretchable fabric is connected thereto;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view 3,368,814 Patented Feb. 13, 1968 taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 and showing a portion of a ball in phantom;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view, on a reduced scale, of the game device of FIG. 1, and particularly showing a modified form of mounting the trampoline-type structure and/ or the target area;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modified form of the game device of FIG. 1, adapted for construction on a smaller scale, primarily for home use;

FIG. 7 is a partial top plan view of the target area of the game device of FIG. 6, with the top portion of the target broken away to show the arrangement of ballreturn;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another modified form of the game device of the invention constructed particu: larly for outdoor use; and

FIG. 9 is an e'nlarged fragmentary perspective view, showing the manner in which the net structures are foldably connected to the target member in the form of the invention shown in FIG. 8.

The game device of the invention disclosed in FIGS. 1-5 is particularly adaptable to commercial applications, that is for use in establishments which cater to the entertainment of the public. In general, the novel feature of the present invention resides in a miniature trampolinetype structure 2 connected at one end of base member 1 and disposed in spaced longitudinal relation with a remote target, indicated generally at 3, connected to the opposite end of base member 1.

Miniature trampoline-type structure 2 consists of a top frame member 4 connected in horizontally spaced relation above base member 1 by means of from leg members 5 and rear leg-members 6. Base member 1 is normally disposed in a slightly inclined position to enable the balls, indicated at 7, to roll beneath the miniature trampoline-type structure and come to rest against laterally extending stop rail 8, on their return from the target. A ball trough 9 is connected beneath stop rail 8 laterally across base member 1 on the end toward the player for holding the appropriate number of balls 7 available for use by the play-er. As indicated, it is preferred that front leg members 5 be of a greater height than rear leg members 6, such that top frame member is disposed in slightly inclined relation with the base member so that the miniature trampoline-type structure is inclined toward the target. A stretchable fabric or web 10 is connected about its perimeter by means of spring members 11 to a second frame member 12 which in turn is connected by means of clamps 13 to top frame member 4. In this manner stretch fabric 10, which is preferably constructed of nylon netting, or the like, but may also be constructed of plastic screening material or other relatively thin fabric which is yieldable and resilient so as to provide rebounding and lofting action to a ball thrown thereon, it tautly connected within frame member 12 by spring members 11 or resilient connecting members, such as rubber bands 14, shown in FIG. 6. The miniature trampoline-type structure may be constructed in any shape but it has been found that when it is of generally rectangular shape, as shown in the drawings, greater lofting action is imparted to the ball when the spring members 11 at the corners of the stretch fabric impart greater stretching force on the fabric than the spring members extending along the sides of the fabric between the corners. In any event the device performs most efliciently and imparts the desired lofting action to the ball or other projectile when the stretchable fabric or resilient net is tautly stretched on the frame in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

Base portion 15 of base member 1, extending between the miniature trampoline-type structure 2 and the end of base member 1 to which remote target 3 is connected,

is inclined toward the remote target so as to form a ramp down which the balls roll on the return from the target.

Remote target 3 includes an upstanding backboard 16 connected to the end of base member 1 and inclined base portion 15, having a target base portion 17 connected thereto at substantially right angles and supported in spaced relation above inclined base portion 15 by side support members 18 which also serve as sideboards for confining the balls or projectiles in the the target area. Target base portion 17 carries a plurality of upstanding divider members, such as the concentrically arranged upstanding arcuate barriers 19, 20 and 21 which divide the target base portion into different scoring zones having different scoring values. For instance, the target base portion circumscribed by barrier 19 may be assigned a scoring value of thirty points while the target base portions circumscribed by barriers 20 and 21 may be assigned scoring values of twenty point and ten points, respectively. Apertures 22, 23 and 24 are provided through target base portion 17 in the scoring zones circumscribed by barriers 19, 20 and 21, respectively, to enable balls entering the target scoring zones to exit therefrom and drop onto the inclined base portion 15 therebeneath to return toward the player. As shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 4, a bell 25, or other actuator such as used with an automatic scoring mechanism, may be connected to inclined base portion 15 beneath apertures 22, 23 and/or 24 in a position so as to be actuated when a ball drops through the appropriate aperture onto the inclined base portion. As indicated in FIG. 2, a shield 26 is connected between target base portion 17 and inclined base portion 15 beneath aperture 22 for guiding the ball onto the actuator of hell 25 to make certain it is sounded each time a ball drops through that aperture. Similar shields could also be provided in registration with the other apertures.

It is preferred that target base portion 17 be slightly inclined so that the balls when entering a scoring zone will roll toward the exit aperture in that zone. It is also preferred that the top of backboard 16 slant somewhat forward toward the trampoline-type structure to give the proper rebound into the target zones to balls impacting thereon.

A plurality of spaced longitudinally extending divider members 27 are connected to base member 1, as shown in the form of an end gate or the like which would be reneath the miniature trampoline-type structure. Stop rail 8 is connected across the ends of the divider members to form an abutment stop for balls entering the various scoring lanes. In a coin-operated version of the game device of the present invention, stop rail 8 could be constructed in the form of an end gate or the like which would be removed from the path of the balls upon operation of a coin controlled mechanism, not shown. The balls from the scoring lanes would thus be deposited into trough 9 making them available to the player, after which the stop gate would return to a position blocking the ends of the scoring lanes.

The scoring lanes formed by divider members 27 may be assigned various scoring values such as thirty points for the center lane, twenty points each for the lanes on either side thereof, and ten points each for the outer lanes. The ends of the lanes adjacent the inclined base portion 15 are open for receiving the balls, and the inclined base portion 15 is provided with a plurality of upstanding obstacle members 28, such as offset rows of upstanding pegs or the like, which randomly guide balls descending the inclined base portion into the various scoring lanes. This adds the element of chance in the scoring of each ball in addition to the element of the skill of the player in directing the ball into the scoring zones of the target.

As previously indicated, it is preferred that the miniature trampoline-type structure be inclined upwardly toward the target. This has the effect of changing the angle of incidence of the ball hitting the stretchable fabric member, thus changing the rebound angle of the ball leaving the trampoline-type structure and imparting a greater lofting action to the ball. This enables the overall length of the game to be diminished and increases the skill required of the player to judge the throwing force and angle required to loft the ball into the most favorable target scoring zone.

In operation the player throws the ball onto the mimature trampoline-type structure and the fabric 10 thereof in combination with the spring members 11 reboundingly lofts the ball toward the target. The ball rebounds from backboard 16 into one of the target scoring zone circumscribed by barriers 19, 20, or 21, for the first points scored by the ball. The ball then drops from the scoring zone through one of the apertures 22, 23, 24 onto 1nclined base portion 15 and rolls down the incline while being diverted by upstanding obstacles 28 until it is d1- rected into one of the scoring lanes formed by divider members 27 beneath the trampoline-type structure for the second portion of the points scored by the ball. The total number of points scored by a ball thus consists of the points obtained in the target scoring zones and the points obtained in the scoring lanes under the trampoline-type structure.

As the ball enters the highest scoring lane it rings a bell 30 having an actuator connected through the base member in the same manner as hell 25. Actuators (not shown) could be positioned accordingly to control an automatic scoring means as balls entered the scoring lanes.

A modified form of the game device is schematically shown in FIG. 5 wherein parts have been omitted for purposes of illustration. In this form of the invention the leg members 5 and 6 of the miniature trampoline-type structure are constructed of resilient spring elements 5 and 6, respectively. These spring elements tend to cancel some of the resilience of the trampoline-type structure 2 and make it more difficult for the player to gauge his throw to get the ball to the target. Also in this form of the invention the target base portion 17" is shown supported on spring support elements 29 adjacent backboard 16. This arrangement imparts more action to the ball when the ball hits One of the barriers 1'9, 20 or 21. In lieu of coil springs as shown, other type of spring elements can be used and it is to be understood that any combination of spring mount and/ or stationary mount for the trampolinetype structure and the target can be used in each form of the invention shown herein.

A much simplified form of the invention, adapted particularly for home use, is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The game device disclosed therein can be more economically manufactured than the device of FIGS. 15 and can be packed relatively compactly. In this form of the invention the miniature trampoline-type structure consists of a unitary inclined frame means 31 having the counterparts of elements 4, 5, 6 and 12 of the structure of FIG. 1. The stretchable fabric 10 may consist of yieldable plastic screening mesh tautly stretched in both the lateral and longitudinal directions and connected to the frame means by means of resilient connecting members 14, such as rubber bands or elastic elements. The miniature trampoline-type structure is separate from the target member and in use is remotely spaced a substantial distance therefrom.

In this form of the invention similar elements of the remote target 31 are designated by similar primed numerals corresponding to the numbered elements shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Barriers 19' and 20 connected to target base portion 17, in this form of the invention, are generally circular or elliptical while barrier 21' remains arcuate in shape. Ball return and scoring lanes 31, 32 and 33 are connected to inclined base portion 15' directly beneath and in registration with apertures 22', 23 and 24, respectively, such that the element of chance is not present in this form of the invention in the interest of conserving space. The score obtained for each ball is thus determined only from the target zone into which the ball is lofted. The base member 1' and target base portion 17 may be constructed as a unit, and the ball return lanes may also be included in the unitized structure which may be molded of plastic or the like.

Another version of the game device of the invention is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 wherein the miniature trampolinetype structure 2 is provided with pointed legs 34 and 35 for insertion into the ground to maintain the top frame member 4 inclined upwardly toward the target. A ball trough 9' is connected to top frame member 4 for holding the balls for the player.

In this form of the invention the backboard 36, which can be hung on an appropriate supporting structure, may also be provided with pointed leg members 37, as shown, for insertion into the ground to maintain the backboard substantially upright. A plurality of arcuate rim members 38, 39 and 40 supporting nets 41, 42 and 43, respectively, are concentrically hingedly connected, as indicated at 44, to backboard 36, such that the rim members and nets can be folded upwardly flush with the backboard for storage when not in use. The nets may be tied at the bottoms to retain the balls lofted therein or may be left open with a return chute (not shown) positioned beneath the various nets and forming return lanes for returning the balls to the vicinity of the trampoline-type structure.

The game is played substantially the same with all forms of the invention. It has been found that the balls of the less resilient type, such as pliable plastic balls, perform very well with the game device of the invention.

While the invention has been described in certain preferred embodiments it is realized that modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and it is to be understood that no limitations on the invention are intended other than those imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A game apparatus comprising, a target adapted to receive a ball at a scoring area, said target including a substantially vertically extending backboard member, a yieldable fabric member, a frame structure, resilient means connecting said yieldable fabric member about its periphery in taut relation on said frame structure, support leg means connected to support said frame structure and yieldable fabric member in angular relation to a horizontal plane and upwardly inclined toward said target, and said target remotely spaced a substantial distance from said yieldable fabric member whereby a ball thrown on said yieldable fabric member from one direction is rebounded in the opposite direction by secondary propulsion from said yieldable fabric member and lofted toward said target.

2. A game apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said support leg means are comprised of spring members.

3. A game device comprising an elongated base member, target means adapted to receive a ball at a scoring area connected to one end of said base member, said target means including an upstanding backboard member connected to the end of said base member, support leg portions, a frame structure connected above the opposite end of said base member by said support leg portions in substantially horizontally spaced relation therewith, a resilient web member connected by resilient means about its periphery in taut relation to said frame structure, said frame structure and resilient web member connected in a position upwardly inclined toward said target means and in angular relation to a horizontal plane, whereby a ball thrown onto said resilient web member from one direction is reboundingly lofted in the opposite direction by secondary propulsion from said resilient web member toward said target means.

4. A game device as set forth in claim 3 in which said target means includes a plurality of upwardly opening ball receiving means connected to said backboard member above said base member.

5. A game device as set forth in claim 3 in which said target means is disposed in longitudinal spaced relation with said frame structure, and said elongated base member between said frame structure and said target means extending beneath and being inclined toward said target means.

6. A game device as set forth in claim 5 including a plurality of obstacle members connected on the inclined portion of said base member for randomly diverting said projectile as it rolls down the inclined portion.

7. A game device as set forth in claim 3 in which said elongated base member between said frame structure and said target means includes a portion inclined toward said target means, and a plurality of spaced longitudinal divider members on said *base member beneath said resilient web member forming ball-receiving lanes, whereby a ball thrown on said resilient web member is lofted toward said target means from whence it rolls down the inclined portion of said base member into one of the ball-receiving lanes beneath said resilient web member.

8. A game apparatus as set forth in claim 7 in which said target includes a plurality of concentric target portions connected substantially normal to said backboard member for receiving balls rebounded therefrom.

9. A game device as set forth in claim 7 in which said target means is connected in horizontal spaced relation above said inclined portion of said base member.

10. A game apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said target scoring area includes a plurality of arcuate net members concentrically arranged and hinge means conrgecting said arcuate net members to said backboard memer.

11. A game device as set forth in claim 3 including spring means connecting said target means to one end of A said base member.

12. A game apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said yieldable fabric member is a resilient net.

References Cited ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner.

M. R. PAGE, Assistant Examiner. 

